FUNCTIONS OF CEA

The functions and duties of CEA are delineated under Section 73 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Besides, CEA has to discharge various other functions as well under Section 3 (National Electricity Policy & Plan), 8 (Hydro Electric Generation), 34 (Grid Standards), 53 (Provision relating to Safety and Electric Supply), 55 (Use of Meters) and 177 (Making of Regulations) of the Electricity Act, 2003.

Functions of the Chairperson, Members and the Secretary of CEA

The key responsibility of Member (Planning) is to extend advice to Chairperson, CEA, Central Government and State Utilities and other organizations on matters relating to formulation of National Electricity Plan; Integrated Resource Planning; Co-coordinating the activities the planning agencies for optimization of resource utilization; formulation of Short, Medium & Long-terms Plans; Survey for power demand growth; collection, compilation and publication of statistics of power sector; research and development in power sector; monitoring of fuel supply to power plants, coal quantity and quality, Thermal Power Project Investigation & Appraisal, Renewable Energy Source (RES) Development work etc.

The main responsibility of Member (Hydro) is to extend advice to Chairperson, CEA, the Central Government, State Utilities and other organizations on matters relating to overall hydro power development in the country, technical appraisal of hydro electric projects, integrated planning for utilization of water resources, assessment of hydro potential, updating development and evaluation of hydro technologies, environmental aspects of hydro projects, renovation, modernization and up rating of hydro stations; co-operation with neighboring countries for development of water resources for mutual benefits etc.

The main responsibility of Member (Thermal) is to extend advice to Chairperson, CEA, the Central Government, State Utilities and other organizations on matters relating to Thermal Power generation, Thermal Power capacity addition and Timely Completion of thermal power projects, Thermal Design & Consultancy, Thermal Performance Evaluation and Climate Change etc.

The main responsibility of Member (GO&D) is to extend advice to Chairperson, the Central Government, State Utilities and other organizations on matters relating to formulation of policies for safe, secure and economic operation of regional grids; integrated operation, co-ordination of 5 regional grids through Regional Power Committees; monitoring of delivery of shares from central sector projects; promoting intra & inter-regional exchanges of power; regional energy accounting; load generation balance; investigation of grid disturbances; matter relating to APDRP in J&K; monitoring of Rural Electrification Programme etc.

The main responsibility of Member (E&C) is to extend advice to Chairperson, the Central Government and other organizations on matters relating to economic evaluation of power policies and projects; appraisal of tariff for nuclear power stations; financial packages; financial parameters, interest during construction and completed cost; examination of bulk power tariff structure; performance of power utilities; coordination for externally aided schemes; examination of Power Purchase Agreements, advice on legal matters etc.

The main responsibility of Member (Power System) is to extend advice to Chairperson, the Central Government and other organizations on matters relating to Planning and development and transmission system consistent with national power plans; transmission technology development; renovation & modernization of transmission schemes; construction monitoring of transmission project; inspection of existing installations in union territories and central government departments; investigation of accidents on electrical installations etc.

The Secretary, CEA appointed by the Authority with the approval of the Central Government under section 72 of Electricity Act 2003 assists in the discharge of CEA's statutory functions. The Secretary also assists the Chairperson in all matters pertaining to administration and technical matters including Human Resource Development and techno-economic appraisal & concurrence of power projects etc.